Detailed overview of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist (Kosiv)

The large size of this shrine and the fact that its roof was covered with tin from the very beginning indicate the wealth of the church community of that time. The master who built this architectural masterpiece was Ivan Herasymiuk from the village of Babyn. The walls were painted by Volodymyr Hudza. The interior of the church is decorated with panicles, kyotas, and crosses by famous Kosiv carvers (Ivan Balahurak, Ivan Pavlyk, Mykola Matiychak, Mykola Havrysh, Vasyl Baraniuk, and others).

The area adjacent to the church is lined with neat sidewalks and benches for resting.

Next to the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is the oldest cemetery in Kosiv, where you can find tombstones and monuments from the nineteenth century. A memorial cross commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Ukraine-Rus’ is erected next to the church.

In Soviet times, the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist was one of the few centres of active church life. It was especially crowded on the patronal feast of 7 July. Thousands of believers came here from many surrounding villages and districts who could not attend their churches at their place of residence for fear of being fired from their jobs.

At different times, this church was visited by famous figures in the history of Ukraine. Among the most famous are Professor Ivan Ogienko (Metropolitan Hilarion) and Patriarch Mstyslav (Skrypnyk). On 28 April 1988, Father Vasyl Romaniuk, who later became Patriarch Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine, took monasticism in this church.

Today, the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is a functioning Orthodox church where services are held regularly. Entrance to the church is free.